Intellectual wellness is the ability to open our minds to new ideas and experiences and to pursue lifelong learning. It is recognizing creative abilities of yourself and others, finding ways to expand on skills.

Are you engaged in the process of intellectual wellness?

• Am I open to new ideas?
• Do I seek personal growth by learning new skills?
• Do I search for lifelong learning opportunities and stimulating mental activities?
• Do I look for ways to use creativity?

If you answered “No” to any of the questions, it may indicate an area where you need to improve the state of your intellectual wellness.

Signs of Intellectual Well Being

• being a critical thinker
• developing good time management and study skills
• being able to challenge yourself to see all sides of an issue
• developing your own ideas, views, and opinions
• exposing yourself to new ideas, people, and beliefs different from your own
• being aware of what you stand for

Ways to Improve Intellectual Health

• Make quiet time to complete homework
• Identify classes/projects that are exciting and rewarding
• Arrange study space to be comfortable, comforting
• Seek regular assistance (tutors, TAs, Professors, etc.)
• Take a break during the day (lunch, nap, walk)
• Set limits to how many activities you’re involved with
• Engage your intellect in new areas (attend a cultural event, theater, read a book on something you know nothing about, learn about a friend’s favorite sport)
• Take time and be open to talk with other classmates about how they are doing (with the class and in general)
• Balance your workload so that no one day or part of your day is just too much
• Meet with your professors in their office hours

Berea Fast Facts:

• click here for resources related to achieving optimal intellectual health
• Berea’s convocations held every Thursday bring speakers, musicians, activists, movers, shakers, scientists, etc. who provide entertainment, insight, and shine a human light on global issues
• Use your teacher’s assistants and professors office hours to help you with classes or parts of classes you are struggling with
• Berea has many academic clubs for specific majors
• There are many on campus resources at your disposal, including the Hutchins library and the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)